2nd camera workshop

Today was our second workshop with Fergus and it was in the exciting studio 5, with the Jools holland set!

Fergus firstly showed us the display and went through the information showed on the screen. We learnt more on the focus and the indicator that is at the bottom of the screen, this indicates the amount of focus used and is a good tool especially for complex focus shots. Fergus showed us how to change the aperture and the other useful controls like gain, zebra and of course, white balance.

I have never heard of zebra before and found that it is useful. I learn't that Zebra helps the operator to see where the light is coming in too much and is burning over the skin tone of a person or object. It shows 'zebra' marks on the screen to assist finding if it is too much light, then the user can control the iris and make sure the picture is not over exposed.

Task:

Filming a sequence

 Our task today was to film a sequence of different shots that will cut together once edited. We was in pairs, I paired with Leo and took turns being on camera and on screen. Gathering shots of Leo walking from A to B where he then sits down.
I started on camera first and planned with Leo on the type of shots I will do and where I wanted him to walk. After planning I set up the camera starting with a wide shot. I took time getting familiar with the controls and ensuring that the light and colour was right. We was in the studio but we had natural light coming in, it made a nice backlight as Leo walked to the chair. I then had a mid shot panning and following Leo. Next I had a close up of Leo's shoes, for this I zoomed in and used expanded focus to make sure the focus was sharp enough, as Leo was walking closer to camera I had to focus along with panning. I used the indicator on the screen to change the focus from where Leo starts to where he finishes, this was much easier as I knew exactly to focus the camera. I moved over to where Leo starts the sequence and went handheld to follow him, I had to change the iris slightly to adjust with the natural light and turned on zebra to help with the right iris level. Leo suggested to have a POV shot which was a great idea, we did this before finishing the sequence with a MCU of Leo as he walks around and sits down. I did a pull focus, pulling focus from Leo to the chair just before he sits down. Again I used the indicator on the screen to help me.

The workshop was fun and exciting, using the camera and being in a nice big space. I also learn't a couple of things like zebra which I have mentioned and also the display, using the indicator and focus assist. All great tools to help when it comes to filming our projects.
I am certain that the Sony is the ideal camera for my project and I will book it out very soon once I schedule my shoot.